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Senior Dawson Rayburn starts at cor- nerback on defense and will rotate in at wide receiver, Bigham said. Senior Zach Gunneman, a transfer from Siloam Springs, has been getting work at running back and slot receiver. He'll also play in the defensive second- ary. "We're excited to have him," Bigham said of Gunneman. Senior Jonah Summers will be the Pio- neers' Mike linebacker. He's also played some defensive line, and tight end/full- back on offense. Senior Antonio Hernandez is a three- year starter at linebacker and also works at running back. "To have three guys returning at line- backer is pretty nice for us," Bigham said. "He's a team player," Bigham said of Summers. "You know that you're going to get everything out of him every single snap." Bigham said senior Bryson Walker is one of the most consistent kids the Pioneers have. He'll play a safety spot (Bandit) on defense as well as work at wide receiver. Senior Diego Saldana is the Pioneers' kicker and does a good job, Bigham said. "Inside 30 yards I don't feel any hesita - tion about kicking a field goal," he said. "We feel good about the seniors. The kids are working hard." Bigham said at one point in 2020, the Pioneers had as many as 13 sophomores starting. That should bode well in 2021 as they're now juniors. "We feel like that's going to pay off," Bigham said. Two of the juniors are in a three-man competition for the starting quarterback job. Junior Chris Bell is getting the majority of the reps at quarterback after starting at wide receiver and safety last year. Junior Tyler Hays was the backup quarterback last year but transitioned into a running back, rushing for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns. "We're going to find a way to get our best athletes on the field," Bigham said. Junior Dillon Jarnagan is the Pioneers' leading returning receiver with 55 recep - tions for 468 yards and five touchdowns. He can work at slot or on the outside, his coach said. Jarnagan also plays safety on defense. Junior Braedon Warren has added 20 pounds in the offseason and will play wide receiver and defensive back. Junior Tommy Xiong started at corner and also has put on some strength in the weight room. Junior Jonathon Corter also helps out at wide receiver after transitioning from running back. He also plays outside linebacker. Junior Dalton Tuttle works at center on offense and was a starter on the de - fensive line last year. The Pioneers feel good about their two big offensive tackles in Colton Whiteley (6-3, 330) and Logan Heath (6-2, 285). Whiteley plays right tackle, while Heath mans the left side. "We're glad to have them back," Bigham said. Several sophomores could work their way into playing time as well. Sophomore Addi Taylor is competing at quarterback and "will find his way on the field," Bigham said. Sophomore Dillon Owens had a good offseason working at free safety and slot receiver along with sophomore Jordan Trammell. Sophomores Tucker Hodges and Jared James also have done well at linebacker, Bigham said. Sophomore Justin Peasley, a move- win, could find a role at tight end and defensive end. Sophomore Dominic Bouyear is 6-2, 330 pounds and could see time at nose guard on the defensive line, Bigham said. Sophomore offensive linemen Ethan Gifford and Isaac Jessen have been very consistent during the offseason, he said. The Pioneers are scheduled to open their season at home against Waldron on Aug. 27. Westsides' football season is here and were excited to cheer on our student athletes and applaud their endeavors of strength and determination. h a s a r r i v e d ! ! Manufacturers of America's Number-One Snack Cake LITTLE DEBBIE BAKERY STORE 604 Henri de Tonti (Hwy 412) • Tontitown, AR • 479-361-9100 limited hours, call ahead • CLOSED SATURDAYS LITTLE DEBBIE BAKERY STORE Highway 59 • Gentry, AR • 479-736-3749 CLOSED SATURDAYS 2021 Football Preview Wednesday, August 25, 2021 n 13C Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer PIONEERS Continued from Page 12C Gentry Pioneers 2021 schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 27 .................................. Waldron ..................................... 7 p.m. Sept. 3 ...................................at Lamar .................................... 7 p.m. Sept. 10 ............................. Stilwell, Okla. ................................ 7 p.m. Sept. 24 ............................. at Huntsville*................................. 7 p.m. Oct. 1 .................................. Berryville* ................................... 7 p.m. Oct. 8 .............................. at Green Forest* ............................... 7 p.m. Oct. 15 ............................Shiloh Christian* .............................. 7 p.m. Oct. 22 ............................ at Prairie Grove* .............................. 7 p.m. Oct. 29 ................................. at Elkins* .................................... 7 p.m. Nov. 5 ................................... Gravette*.................................... 7 p.m. * 4A-1 Conference